Horror is a genre of literature that is often misunderstood. Horror fiction has breadth, depth and social conscience. Readers and authors of horror can feel marginalised and judged by what they read, so many of us chose to do so in isolation.

That is why the Indie Horror Chapter events are so important. They provide an opportunity for independent authors and readers to connect and share their love of literature in an environment that celebrates our diversity and provides support to those that need it. You might attend an Indie Horror Chapter event alone, but you will never be lonely. An ethos shared by our nominated charity, The Reader.

For over twenty years, The Reader has been building a community of Shared Reading groups across the UK and around the world. They believe, as we do, that literature’s unique power has the potential to connect individuals, help us feel better and rebuild lost social bonds. Their Shared Reading Groups meet in many places including libraries, care homes, cathedrals, cafes, hospitals, prisons, and at their home in Liverpool’s Calderstone Park – the International Centre for Shared Reading.

Depths of Darkness: A Horror Anthology will launched at the Indie Horror Chapter’s Liverpool Horror Book Convention on 11 April 2026; all the authors who have contributed their time and donated their story to this book will be attending.

All proceeds from the sale of this charity anthology and our other fundraising will be donated to The Reader. Charity Registration Number 1126806 (SCO43054 Scotland) Company Registration Number 06607389.

More information about this charity is available at www.thereader.org.uk